The term heavy metal refers to any metallic chemical element that has a relatively high density and is toxic or poisonous at low concentrations. Heavy metals are natural components of the Earth's crust. They cannot be degraded or be destroyed. To a small extent they enter our bodies via food, drinking water and air. As trace elements, some heavy metals are essential to maintain the metabolism of the human body. However, at higher concentrations they can lead to poisoning. Heavy metal poisoning could result, for instance, from drinking-water contamination (e.g. lead pipes), high ambient air concentrations near emission sources, or intake via the food chain.

All heavy metals exist in surface waters in colloidal, particulate, and dissolved phases, although dissolved concentrations are generally low . The colloidal and particulate metal may be found in 1) hydroxides, oxides, silicates, or sulfides; or 2) adsorbed to clay, silica, or organic matter. The soluble forms are generally ions or unionized organo-metallic chelates or complexes. The solubility of trace metals in surface waters is predominately controlled by the water pH, the type and concentration of ligands on which the metal could adsorb, and the oxidation state of the mineral components and the redox environment of the system.

Living organisms require trace amounts of some heavy metals, including cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, strontium, and zinc. Excessive levels of essential metals, however, can be detrimental to the organism. Non-essential heavy metals of particular concern to surface water systems are cadmium, chromium, mercury, lead, arsenic, and antimony.

How are they used?

The three most pollutants heavy metals are Lead, Cadmium, and Mercury. Some examples are listed below. Additional heavy metals include but are not limited to; antimony, cobalt, iron, manganese, molybdenum, tin, vanadium, etc. Antimony - is a metal used in the compound antimony trioxide, a flame retardant. It can also be found in batteries, pigments, and ceramics and glass.

Cadmium - derives its toxicological properties from its chemical similarity to zinc an essential micronutrient for plants, animals and humans. Uses of cadmium are as pigments, stabilisers for PVC, in alloys, electronic compounds, phosphate fertilizers, detergents and refined petroleum products. Acute exposure to cadmium generally occurs in the workplace, particularly in the manufacturing processes of batteries and color pigments used in paint and plastics, as well as in electroplating and galvanizing processes.

Chromium - is used in metal alloys and pigments for paints, cement, paper, rubber, and other materials.

Copper - is normally in drinking water from copper pipes, as well as from additives designed to control algal growth.

Mercury - the natural source of mercury is the degassing of the Earth's crust, emissions from volcanoes and evaporation from natural bodies of water. World-wide mining of the metal leads to indirect discharges into the atmosphere. The usage of mercury is widespread in industrial processes and in various products (e.g. batteries, lamps and thermometers). It is also widely used in dentistry as an amalgam for fillings and by the pharmaceutical industry.

Nickel - The EPA does not currently regulate nickel levels in drinking water. Nickel can accumulate in aquatic life, but its presence is not magnified along food chains.

Selenium - Plant foods are the major dietary sources of selenium in most countries throughout the world. Selenium also can be found in some meats and seafood. Animals that eat grains or plants that were grown in selenium-rich soil have higher levels of selenium in their muscle.

What are the health effects?

In very small amounts, many of these metals are necessary to support life. However, in larger amounts, they become toxic. They may build up in biological systems and become a significant health hazard.

Exposure to toxic heavy metals is generally classified as acute, 14 days or less; intermediate, 15-354 days; and chronic, more than 365 days. Chronic toxicity results from repeated or continuous exposure, leading to an accumulation of the toxic substance in the body. Chronic exposure may result from contaminated food, air, water, or dust; living near a hazardous waste site; spending time in areas with deteriorating lead paint; maternal transfer in the womb; or from participating in hobbies that use lead paint or solder.

Is there any harm from drinking and bathing in contaminated water?

There are unique health aliments for each of the heavy metals including birth defects, central nervous system breakdowns, renal system disruptions, irritations, cancers, organ failures, arthritis, autism, weight loss, nausea, mood swings, hypertension, headaches, diseases, insomnia, fatigue, etc. There are many serious results of being poisoned by heavy metals.

How do I remove heavy metals from my drinking water?

The water treatment industry has been using a compound called KDF for decades. KDF is by far the most widely used heavy metal reducing media in the US. KDF Fluid Treatment's unique combination of copper and zinc (Redox) creating an electro-chemical reaction. During this reaction, electrons are transferred between molecules, and new elements are created. Some harmful contaminants are changed into harmless components. Some heavy metals such as copper, lead, mercury and others, react to the medium's surface, thus being effectively removed from the water supply. The Redox reaction also helps to control bacteria growth.